13 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2024

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: Dr. Benjamin Wallace


Plantar fasciitis is a pain in the arch of your foot due to inflammation of a thick band that runs from your heel drop to toes. It is known as the plantar fascia, & when it becomes inflamed it's called plantar fasciitis. When it comes to running, a shoe can either heal/support or worsen the pain.

Glad we have a bunch of popular running shoe manufacturers that feel how gross is the pain when it comes to running. But before we dive in, it is important to look at what shoes prevent shin splints and plantar fasciitis and what makes a shoe perfect for plantar fasciitis and what you should be looking for.


FOR SUPINATION
ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Check Price on AMAZON

ASICS Gel-Venture 7
FOR HEEL SPURS
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 Check Price on AMAZON

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24
BEST FOR WOMEN
HOKA One One Bondi 7 Check Price on AMAZON

HOKA One One Bondi 7

What Are The Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?

A shoe that offers ample arch support, has enough cushioning & one that fits comfortably is the best no matter what type of runner you are. There is nothing as a perfect running shoe, but overall comfort, fit & arch support is all that a shoe should offer.

Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

What to Look For In Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Cushioning: Cushioning: Cushioning in running shoes absorb shocks, provides support & minimizes foot and heel bone pain.

Support: You should be looking for shoes with arch support and firm ankle collar. Most shoes come with medicated shoe inserts or custom orthotics that can enhance the overall support.

Fit: Ideally, the best shoe for plantar fasciitis should fit correctly right out of the box (i.e., not too small, & wide enough to fit your foot comfortably).

Now you know what to look at, come let's delve into the top known shoes for plantar fascia.

Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis for Men

ASICS Gel-Kayano 28

Pros
  • ✔️ Superior stability
  • ✔️ Adaptive cushioning
Cons
  • ❌ Sinks feet
  • ❌ Runs slow

Whom is it best for?
This is a good option for neutral & overpronating male runners for road running & high mileage logging. This is available in wider sizes also, so if you have wide feet, this is recommended.

Men with plantar fasciitis need a perfect amount of shock absorption, heel support and stability in a running shoe. Among all the shoes we tested, one shoe that fits the bill most is Gel Kayano 28 from Asics.

What’s very noticeable in this stability shoes for plantar fasciitis is Asics’ popular gel cushioning that supports the heel cup areas and feels very comfortable.

Also, there are rubber outsole that we found great when it comes to shock absorption.


Best Womens Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

HOKA One One Bondi 7

Pros
  • ✔️ Excellent shock absorption
  • ✔️ Very durable
  • ✔️ Soft ride
Cons
  • ❌ Less breathable
  • ❌ Bit heavy

Whom is it best for?
It comes in a variety of width sizes so that’s a plus if you have wide feet. It is best suited for daily runs, low-intensity training, long slow distance & recovery runs.

For female runners with plantar fasciitis, wide comfortable shoes with a bottom low heel and soft rubber sole cushioning can help relieve the issue. For that, we would recommend Hoka One One Bondi 7 that is one of Hoka’s premium cushioned shoes for this issue.

Its sole is fused with plush EVA foam cushioning that really aids in decreasing pressure under the heel and the ball of the foot. While the insole is ortholite molded that further feels adding good support and softness to the shoe.

It may not be very durable for everyday use and the wide sole look gives a very unusual appeal but most runners don’t seem to care about those factors because of the comfort and performance.


Best Brooks Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

BROOKS Addiction Walker 2

Pros
  • ✔️ Excellent shock absorption
  • ✔️ Breathable mesh upper
  • ✔️ Durable shoes
Cons
  • ❌ Dull color options
  • ❌ A bit heavy

Whom is it best for?
This is highly recommended for flat feet runners, walkers and also for people who overpronate. These best walking running shoes for plantar dasciitis can be taken by long distance runners as well.

Brooks Addiction Walker is highly known over the internet and recommended by most podiatrists as the best walking shoes for plantar Fasciitis so we had to try them. These Brooks shoes good for plantar fasciitis offered us enough cushioning that we found supportive of arches and overpronation.

The company has infused the shoe with dynamic gel units in the heel and forefoot, BioMoGo DNA foam midsole, and the extended progressive diagonal roll bars to cradle the foot.

These shoes impressed us by staying firm and cushy when we pushed them hard. The only thing that we dislike is the extra weight it offers over long miles.


Best Running Shoes for Heel Pain

ASICS Gel-Venture 7

Pros
  • ✔️ Very comfortable
  • ✔️ Great arch-support
  • ✔️ Solid heel-grip
Cons
  • ❌ Nondurable mesh upper
  • ❌ Feels clunky

Whom is it best for?
These Plantar Fasciitis Asics are highly recommended for runners with arched feet and for individuals who dislike heel movement. This product is not suitable for people with flat feet.

Heel pain with Plantar Fasciitis require a running shoe that offers arch support, plush foam midsole, and comfort.

Moreover, lightweight gel cushioning is also best for them as it reduces pressure on the feet. The best match for this among the shoes we tested was Asics Gel-Venture 7. We must say that the design of this best asics for plantar fasciitis shoes noticeably provides great support to the arches and you will notice this the moment you will put your foot inside.

It is infused with Asics gel cushioning technology that makes the ride feel more natural and we noticed it taking the pressure off the heels. It is not super lightweight but overall doesn’t feel very heavy.


Best Trail Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

ASICS Gel-Venture 8

Pros
  • ✔️ Good price
  • ✔️ Extra cushioning
  • ✔️ Comfortable yet supportive
Cons
  • ❌ Gets hot
  • ❌ Runs slow

Whom is it best for?
This trail running shoe is best for moderate trails, technical trails, and for those who need performance trail running in a solid package. Not super recommended for summers and hot weather.

Trail runners with plantar Fascia - for people who dare different terrains, we would suggest trying Asics Gel-Venture 8. The shoe was basically designed by the company to be a daily trainer for those who need performance training in a proven package, and that’s what we completely felt when we couldn’t hit speed spots in these shoes.

The shoe impressed us with its price and simple yet solid design that is sure to last so many trail runs and hikes. For people with Plantar Fasciitia can benefit from Asia’s best cushioned running shoes for plantar fasciitis with extra cushioning that takes the shape of the user's foot and absorbs shocks very well.

It also comes with a removable sock liner that allows runners to use shoe or heel inserts while running, providing extra support. But this gets hot in warm weather so if you sweat a lot, we won’t recommend this.


Best Running Shoes for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

ASICS Gel Nimbus 24

Pros
  • ✔️ High-quality construction
  • ✔️ Comfy yet durable
Cons
  • ❌ A bit expensive
  • ❌ Very firm

Whom is it best for?
It is a neutral running shoe that works well for heel strikers. It is best for daily training and long runs. It is not super recommended for faster paces.

Asics Gel Nimbus for Plantar Fasciitis has been well known for 20 years for being a highly cushioned everyday trainer that is well structured and very comfortable, so we had to test it for runners with Plantar Fasciitis.

These shoes were found perfect for heel spurs & Plantar Fasciitis because of gel cushioning in the rear and front sole of the shoes with shock-absorbing silicone that make toe-off very smooth.

They are infused with a built-in Trusstic system along with the sole that keeps the foot stabilized in the neutral position, which is a must for Plantar Fasciitis sufferers. The shoe gives support to the foot in all the right places and feels very comfortable when you run.


Best Running Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis

ASICS Gel Nimbus 23

Pros
  • ✔️ Stable ride
  • ✔️ Fits perfect
  • ✔️ Multiple widths
Cons
  • ❌ Feels heavy
  • ❌ Mild tongue slide

Whom is it best for?
It is best for daily training and long-distance runs at unrushed paces. This comes in multiple width sizes that’s a plus for wide feet runners.

People with high arches are prone to having plantar fasciitis. This refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of ligament that connects heels to the toes and supports the arches.

For runners with high-arches & plantar fasciitis, most podiatrist suggest Asics Gel Nimbus 23 that is designed mainly to keep people with high arches in mind.

We tested and this best asics for plantar fasciitis really supports arches and reduces stress on feet that breeds plantar fasciitis. Asics has infused the shoe with a softer and larger gel section around the heel that really impresses when it comes to shock prevention & impact protection.

This work shoe for high arches also features cushioning at the front and back of the foot and added support toward the inside of the arch.


Best Nike Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

NIKE Revolution 6

Pros
  • ✔️ Feels comfortable
  • ✔️ Very supportive
  • ✔️ Low price
Cons
  • ❌ Low price
  • ❌ Week heel counter

Whom is it best for?
It is mainly designed for road running, walking, and indoor workouts and jogging. This best nike for plantar fasciitis is a good all-rounder shoe for beginners especially, that excel for shorter distances but works pretty fine on longer miles.

Nike’s revolution series pretty much ticks all the boxes of well-made shoes for Fasciitis with their version 6 to be the most updated one with enhanced cushioning to reduce pain and maintain a proper stride.

We tested it and were first impressed with how light it feels when on.

Then the EVA foam in the midsole further impressed us by molding to the shape of the foot from heel and arch providing extra support. According to many other real reviewers with plantar Fasciitis, these Nike distance shoes reduced their plantar fasciitis pain.


Best Supportive Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24

Pros
  • ✔️ Stable ride
  • ✔️ Fits perfect
  • ✔️ Multiple widths
Cons
  • ❌ Feels heavy
  • ❌ Mild tongue slide

Whom is it best for?
This best Asics running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis is and ideal for daily training and long-distance runs at unrushed paces. This comes in multiple width sizes that’s best for wide feet runners.

One of the most popular running shoes from the ASICS lineage for Plantar Fasciitis is ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 . The moment you put your foot in, you will be impressed by how nice the gel cushioning in the front and back of the foot takes the shape of the shoe with added support towards the inside of the arch.

Asics claims to have added more foam in the midsole area to further prevent shocks and it really worked for us when we struck foot to the ground.


Best Athletic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

New Balance 990v5

Pros
  • ✔️ Very durable
  • ✔️ Good-looking shoe
Cons
  • ❌ Not flexible
  • ❌ A bit pricey

Whom is it best for?
This best New Balance running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis is suitable for treadmill running, road and track running, and elliptical workouts.

If you are a flat feet runner struggling with plantar fasciitis pain, New Balance 990v5 is one of the best athlete running shoes you come across. This New Balance fresh foam shoe pretty much takes care of plantar pain with its immense Fresh Foam cushioning and we really like how it captures the shocks when you hit the pavement.

We picked this one to test from the brand because 99v5 ranks high among the New Balance cross-trainers for plantar fasciitis, due to its EVA core heel protection technology.

This is often recommended by many podiatrists and when combined with physical therapies can help reduce the pain.


Best Running Shoes for Foot Pain

Saucony Guide 14

Pros
  • ✔️ Plush cushioning
  • ✔️ Fits great
  • ✔️ Super breathable
Cons
  • ❌ Wide toe box
  • ❌ Heels run warm

Whom is it best for?
We would recommend this best Saucony running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis especially for runners who overpronate, wide feet runners, and for all types of runners for daily running, longer runs and for tempo runs.

If you seek heel cushioning and arch support, we would suggest checking Saucony’s Guide 14 that is a best-selling product for runners who need shoes with pronation control. To check if they really live up to the reputation we tested it & results were impressive.

It feels super stable over 20 miles and the moment you lock your foot in, it feels like it is taking the shape of your foot. The EVERUN cushioning was distributing evenly from the arch to the heel giving so much support to the foot.


Best Brooks Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

BROOKS Glycerin 19

Pros
  • ✔️ Highly cushioned
  • ✔️ Very breathable
  • ✔️ Solid traction
Cons
  • ❌ Gets heavy

Whom is it best for?
It is a maximal trainer suitable for road and pavement running. It is not suitable for track workouts as your foot may sink in.

Brooks makes several running shoes that benefit people with Plantar Fasciitis with Brooks Glycerin 19 to be very popular. Originally made with neutral gait pattern with runners in mind, this shoe offers plenty of DNA Loft cushioning without bulk or loss of responsiveness.

It feels comfortable because of the internal bootie that supports the foot while expanding with each stride. We loved the custom fit with the additional OrthoLite sock liner that it comes with, which is highly recommended for people seeking extra support and comfort.


Best Hoka Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

HOKA One One Bondi 7

Pros
  • ✔️ Excellent shock absorption
  • ✔️ Very durable
  • ✔️ Soft ride
Cons
  • ❌ Less breathable
  • ❌ Bit heavy

Whom is it best for?
This hoka shoes plantar fasciitis comes in a variety of width sizes so that’s a plus if you have wide feet. It is best suited for daily runs, low-intensity training, long slow distance and recovery runs.

Hoka One One Bondi 7 is one of Hoka’s premium cushioned shoe for Plantar Fasciitis. Hoka Bondi plantar fasciitis shoe sole is fused with plush EVA foam cushioning that really aids in decreasing pressure under the heel and the ball of the foot.

While the insole is ortholite molded that further feels adding support and softness to the shoe. It may not be very durable for everyday use and the wide sole look gives it a very unusual appeal but most runners don’t seem to care about those factors because of the shoe’s performance comfort and support.


Conclusion


So, there you have it; most known and high-performance running shoes in the market for people suffering from plantar fascia. Now, while these shoes offer relief, there is no such thing as the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis that works for every runner.

Most of the companies we mentioned in this piece offer free trials, so it's better to go for a bunch of pieces to try on and settle for what works for you the best.

A single pair of running shoes can either make or break your running game so it is best to know the jargon of your foot and pain and then getting the right match for the pain. These shoes not only provide protection from having plantar fascii but also offer as support shoes for knee pain.

Moreover, old and worn shoes can put unbalanced forces on the feet and contribute to worsening plantar fascia heel pain, so it's always best to invest in new & more durable shoes.

Video Credits : Bob & Brad


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Dr. Benjamin Wallace

Dr. Benjamin Wallace

Dr. Benjamin Wallace is a podiatry specialist with over two decades of experience in treating issues of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Record of successful treatments, from managing arthritic conditions and healing diabetic foot disorders to addressing foot deformities and sports-related injuries.